Link love for my Foodie friends

Grilling Naan on the Foreman Grill.

Although you wouldn't know it, there has been lots of cooking going on around here. A lot of new recipes, many of which became new favorites by the second bite! Unfortunately there hasn't been a lot of kitchen photography going on. When I started posting recipes on this blog a couple years ago, I would often take the time to use the special lightbox David made me to set up the shoot. It made for beautiful, well-lit pictures, but it took time. These days my kitchen time is often rushed, last-minute, and without ceremony. The recipes, though, are well worth sharing. In no particular order, here are some real gems:

Gena's sweet-potato hummus has changed my life. I adore it. I added a touch of cayenne in place of the black pepper. I make a big vat and eat it with everything.

I first made these almond cookies for a New Year's Eve party, because they pair well with champagne. These are not kid cookies — they're more refined — a little sweet and a little salty. I use Trader Joe's Almond Meal in place of grinding my own almonds.

To go with the red lentil curry I mentioned a few posts back, I decided to try making Naan. In the comments mentioned grilling these on their Foreman grill, which worked like a charm. My plan is to make a double batch of these and freeze a bunch to have on hand whenever the mood strikes. They're delish and certainly should not be reserved only as an accompaniment to Indian food.

For my birthday dinner I wanted mediterranean food. We picked up a bunch of sides at the amazing Barbur World Foods and I made this simple, flavorful Fish Couscous with Onion T'faya as a main. Honestly, I was taking a chance, especially since we subbed frozen Wild Cod from Trader Joe's for the much more expensive Halibut the recipe called for. It turned out great and will definitely be added as a regular dinner entrée here. Even Anna loved it.

Enjoy!

Art Classes

Cat with dog and bird, by Anna, age 5

Goose by Tatum, age 7

Horses by Elsa, age 7

Last year was dismal for my graphic design business. Because of the economy, because I work mainly with higher-ed and nonprofits, or just because things change. I spent countless hours thinking about what was next for me. I started my etsy shop, I volunteered, I brainstormed over wine with other moms in similar situations.

And all the while I was always doing art projects with Anna and her friends. I don't know why it took so long for the idea to click, but once it did it was as right as rain. I am now teaching art to kids out of my home. I started with 2 classes this month, and will be doubling that in the Spring.

I admit it's a bit daunting. And 90 minutes is a looooong time when working with kids in such a focused way. But man, just seeing the beautiful work they produced was so inspiring.

If you're interested in learning more about the classes, you can visit my new class website here. I've added a permanent link to the sidebar on the right as well. (By the way, I used a free service called Weebly to build this site and it is awesome!).